Srinagar: Meteorological department on Wednesday said that there will be widespread moderate rainfall/snowfall this weekend in J&K i.e., between 22nd to 24th of October with higher reaches expect to receive heavy snowfall.
MeT official said in a weather advisory addressed to Divisional Commissioners of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh that an active western disturbance will most likely affect J&K and adjoining areas from 22nd Octber’s evening to 24th October with peak activity on 23rd October.
It was further said in the weather advisory that there is also a possibility of light snow in plains, moderate snow in middle reaches and heavy snow at isolated places of Kashmir division’s higher reaches.
The higher reaches expected to receive heavy snowfall includes Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg (Zojila Pass) Baramulla and Bandipora (Gurez and Tulail Valley), Kupwar (Machil and Karnah sector), Shopian, Qazigund-Banihal axis, Pirpanjal Range of Jammu division, Drass (Gumri and Minamarg) and Zanskar Subdivision of Ladakh UT.
It further said that there will be moderate rain with thunder/lightning and gusty winds in Jammu division during the period.
Regarding the possible impacts of inclement weather between 22nd and 24th of October in J&K, the MeT official warned of disruption of air traffic and road traffic on NH-44, Leh-Manali NH, Mughal roads and other major hilly roads.
It also warned of landslides at vulnerable parts of NH44 and Srinagar-Leh National Highway, Electricity disruption, temporary waterlogging in low lying areas and Horticultural crops’ damage.